Question

Todd Lawrence is an 8-year-old boy who has been hospitalized for treatment with skeletal traction after sustaining a compound fracture of his left leg 8 days ago. During the night he developed a fever of 102.6°F (39.2°C). This morning his temperature is 101.8°F (38.8°C). The pin sites are red and inflamed and the upper leg area is tender to the touch. Todd is complaining of pain, rating it a 9 out of a possible 10 on a numerical pain rating scale. Laboratory tests reveal leukocytosis, an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and positive blood cultures.

1. What data will you report to the provider? Provide rationales.
2. What is causing these symptoms in this patient?
3. What treatment would the nurse expect to be ordered?
4. Provide three interventions for the nurse to promote Todd’s growth and development while he is immobilized in traction and receiving prescribed treatment.

Answer 1

1. Todd's fever of 102.6 degree Farenheit , pins area of skeletal traction are red and inflamed and tender to touch , increased WBC and ESR levels , positive blood culture reports has to be informed to the provider .

2 . Infection is causing all these symptoms. Positive blood culture along with redness , pain, swelling at the pins site is confirmatory for a bacterial infection.

3. Antibiotics is usually prescribed based on the blood culture report. An antibiotic which is more sensitisenis usually prescribed for a course of period.

4 . Nursing interventions :

Monitor and provide proper dose of antibiotic at regular periods of time .

Monitor for side effects of antibiotics.

Involve the child in certain play which is verbal and the child finds interesting to distract from pain.

Provide analgesics as prescribed to relieve pain.

Keep the area of pins neat and clean . If necessary clean the area with sterile solution.

Thank you.